2008

06/17/08

AFT Announces Campaign for Wisconsin's Farm & Forest Lands

AFT announces the start of the Campaign for Wisconsin’s Farm & Forest Lands initiative designed to complement the recommendations of the Working Lands Steering Committee convened by Secretary of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen.

06/17/08

Without 2008 Bond, Rhode Island Farmland Protection Efforts Will Shut Down

At the last minute, a bond resolution that would support farmland protection in Rhode Island was removed from the state budget.

06/16/08

AFT to Pursue Innovative Solution to Enhancing Water Quality in Chesapeake Bay

In order to help states meet Chesapeake Bay ecosystem restoration goals, AFT will be implementing the BMP Challenge for Enhanced Nutrient Management with farmers in three states.

06/11/08

Opponents of Climate Change Legislation Use Gimmicks to Temporarily Delay Debate

Opponents of climate change legislation temporarily stopped debate in the Senate, but the issue will be back next year. AFT is involving farmers and environmental groups in designing effective legislation.

06/02/08

American Farmland Trust Announces Winner of 2008 Steward of the Land Award

American Farmland Trust has chosen Nash Huber of Nash’s Organic Produce in Sequim, Washington, for the $10,000 annual Steward of the Land Award. Huber is a leader in farmland protection, environmental stewardship and the production of healthy local food.

05/20/08

Setting the Record Straight on ACRE: A Statement of American Farmland Trust and the National Corn Growers Association

American Farmland Trust and National Corn Growers Association have issued a statement responding to critics of the ACRE program.

05/20/08

AFT Letter of Support for Warner Lieberman Climate Change Cap and Trade Bill (PDF)

American Farmland Trust sent a letter to Congress in support of the Warner Lieberman Climate Change Cap and Trade bill, recognizing the important role that agriculture can play in addressing climate change.

05/15/08

Jon Scholl Named President of American Farmland Trust

The Board of Directors of American Farmland Trust has named Jon Scholl as the organization's President to succeed Ralph Grossi, who will be stepping down after 23 years. Scholl, an Illinois farmer, is a former Farm Bureau and senior EPA official.

05/09/08

2008 Farm Bill Conference Report Includes Important Improvements—Much Better Than Extension of Status Quo

The conference report on the 2008 Farm Bill delivers important improvements over existing policy,” says AFT. "The final compromise bill does not include all the reforms we would like to see, but there is no question it is better than the alternative—an extension of current policies.”

03/21/08

American Farmland Trust Mourns the Loss of Agricultural Conservation Icon, Colleague and Mentor —Norman A. Berg Passes Away at 90

AFT mourns the loss of senior advisor and agricultural conservation icon, Noman A. Berg who passed away this week. Details of the memorial service are contained in this release.

03/10/08

Growing Farmers for the Lowcountry

Attend a free community roundtable discussion that will address the shortage of farmers needed to meet demand for fresh, locally grown food in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

3/07/08

Farms and Salmon Win in New Grants Program Applicants Sought for Next Round of Funding

Farms and salmon both benefit under an innovative new Washington-state fish recovery grants program. Projects awarded funding are detailed, and applicants are sought for the next round of funding. Applications are due March 28, 2008.

02/27/08

Growing NY Farms Conference Highlights Ways Communities Can Support Local Farms and Protect Farmland

A sold-out conference in Saratoga Springs, New York, will highlight ways that public and private partners at the local level can bolster New York’s agricultural economy and protect the land upon which farmers depend. The conference is sponsored by AFT and other groups.

02/19/08

Media Advisory—National Call-in 2/20/08 Paving Paradise: A New Perspective on California Farmland Conversion

Call in on 2/20/08 at 10:30 a.m. PST to hear AFT expert Ed Thompson on the implications of a new report—Paving Paradise: A New Perspective on California Farmland Conversion.

02/08/08

Working Lands Alliance Says New Funds Boosting Interest in Farmland Preservation

The Working Lands Alliance, a project of AFT, says new funds are boosting interest in farmland preservation in Connecticut. Officials believe farmland protection could triple.

02/06/08

American Farmland Trust President Ralph Grossi to Step Down

After 23 years, AFT President Ralph Grossi announced his intention to step down as the organization's President, but he will remain with the organization until a successor is named and in place.

02/05/08

Another Disappointing Budget for Conservation —Makes Clear the Need for a New Farm Bill

The administration's FY09 budget provides inadequate funding for key conservation programs—programs that U.S. agriculture needs to be competitive in the future and to protect our natural resources. "This would have been the perfect time for the administration to demonstrate leadership to help move the farm bill legislation along."

02/01/08

AFT Adds Ben Bowell as New England Specialist

Benjamin Bowell has joined AFT as New England Specialist and will focus on municipal outreach in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and agricultural policy issues in Mass.

01/23/08

AFT Says Governor's Budget a Step in the Right Direction to Protect New York's Farms

“The $30 million proposed for the Farmland Protection Program is the highest funding level ever. However, demand from New York farmers and communities for these dollars was more than four times that amount last year,” says AFT.

01/08/08

Two Cayuga County Farms Permanently Protected Insures Agricultural Production for New York's Future

The Spruce Haven and Delaney Farms in Cayuga County, NY, were permanently protected today.

01/04/08

Advisory-Auburn, New York Press Conference 1/8/08

Two Cayuga County, New York farms will be protected permanently at a press conference on 1/8/08 in Auburn, NY. The event also highlights a cooperative renewable energy project the farms participate in.